Partial Nail Avulsion

By Hazel Wig

Lack of information can make nail surgery seem rather frightening. However this simple procedure, while not often talked about, can provide a permanent solution to painful conditions in a local chiropody or podiatry clinic.

In fact you may never think about nail surgery until you're in some pain and realise that you need some urgent help!

You can rest assured that competent, reassuring and prompt help should be available at a clinic not too far from home. It's helpful to have some facts about the whole process so that you'll know what might be necessary.

Surgery is necessary where a deformed or damaged nail is causing infection and pain in the toe. This infection can spread quickly and can be cured by antibiotics. Unfortunately it will then usually reoccur, because the nail is still damaged or deformed. Surgery will correct the nail and so prevent the return of the infection.

Sometimes toe pain is caused by slight deformities in the nail, such as very wide nails or very thick nails. Or it may be due to trauma, such as a knock or too tight shoes. Poor nail cutting can also be a cause.

Total nail avulsion is the removal of the whole nail and partial nail avulsion is the removal of only the sides of the nail. These can be done while leaving the nail bed unaffected. These procedures are carried out when the nail has been damaged so that it can grow back without blemish.

Similar surgery is also used when the problems arise from within. The nail may grow in a slightly unusual way - it may be too curved or too wide - and so when the nail is partly removed some of the nail bed will also need to be taken out as well. Then the nail will grow back without the parts which have caused problems. Modern techniques used by experienced practitioners mean that the resulting appearance is satisfactory.

Once you've understood why nail surgery may be necessary and what it will do for the problem, it's helpful to know a few practicalities.

Nail problems can be very painful and it will be necessary to anesthetise the toe in order for surgery to be carried out. The anaesthetic injections may be a little painful, but the discomfort passes quickly and you'll soon be ready for the surgery. The two injections are usually at the base of the toe away from the painful part.

The surgery usually takes about fifteen minutes to complete and then you'll be allowed to go home with instructions to care for the dressing, to rest with your foot raised for few hours and to take painkillers if you experience discomfort. Any pain will be controlled by paracetemol or ibuprofen (aspirin should not be taken as it can encourage bleeding). Make sure that your footwear, including socks, is loose fitting and doesn't put any pressure on your toes. You'll have to return for dressing changes and for your healing to be monitored.

When considering where to have your nail surgery, do look at the qualifications of people working at the clinic. Length of trainings can vary a great deal and so can experience. Ask around for recommendations - you'll be surprised to find how many people have experience and opinions. Do a quick bit of research and you'll be able to get the real benefits of this procedure from a professional and reassuring Clinic.

If the Reception staff receive you in an interested, helpful manner and if they can be flexible enough to offer appointments that fit your circumstances, then you'll probably have found the right Clinic.

Once you've settled on a Clinic, the process should run smoothly and you'll be pleased with the results of your nail surgery. - 30519

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here